Dhangadi, August 16

With majority of doctors at Dhangadi’s Seti Zonal Hospital opting for their integration at the centre, the largest hospital in Sudurpaschim Province, is likely to face severe shortage of doctors in near future.

Of the total 22 doctors at the hospital, only 11 are at work now. Eight of the doctors serving at the hospital are all set to leave the hospital in a few days as per the employee adjustment programme of the central government.

Among the doctors at the hospital, only Dr Hemraj Pandeya, medical superintendent of the hospital, Gynaecologist Dr Khagendraraj Bhatta and Dr Jagadish Joshi have chosen to be integrated at province level.

Though the provincial government has said regular services at the hospital will not be affected, adjustment programme is bound to have negative impact in smooth functioning of the hospital.

“We’ve corresponded with the concerned ministry of the provincial government regarding the possible crisis of doctors, but to no avail. We haven’t got any responses, and I don’t know how the hospital will run with just three doctors,” said Dr Pandeya. While posts of doctors for heart diseases, psychiatry, kidney related diseases at the hospital  never got fulfilled, existing ENT, dermatologist, aesthetic and orthopaedic doctors are leaving the hospital as part of the adjustment programme.

“In view of the impending crisis, we had published an opening for doctors a few days ago, but not a single person applied,” said Dr Pandeya, adding that the hospital will have difficulty to cater services to patients once the doctors leave.

Social Development Minister Krishnaraj Subedi of the province, however, insisted that the service at the hospital wouldn’t be affected.  “The doctors will probably stay in the province itself as seven of them have informed us of their wish to be here. If they decide to leave we’ll fill the vacant positions by hiring required doctors on contract basis,” said the minister.